FDA OKs 1st hay fever allergy immunotherapy tablet

Oralair dissolves under tongue

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America compared data on 100 cities to rank the 25 most challenging cities to live with seasonal allergies. Scores are based off pollen counts, allergy medicine use and the number of allergists.

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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America compared data on 100 cities to rank the 25 most challenging cities to live with seasonal allergies. Scores are based off pollen counts, allergy medicine use and the number of allergists.

iStock Image

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first tablet for gradually reducing hay fever allergy symptoms, an alternative to uncomfortable allergy-desensitizing shots.

Oralair, a tablet that dissolves quickly under the tongue, is approved for patients aged 10 through 65. It's to be taken daily starting four months before grass pollen season to reduce allergic reactions to five grass types.

In patient testing, it reduced symptoms and need for medications by up to 30 percent, compared with dummy pills. Common side effects include throat irritation, mouth swelling and the possibility of severe allergic reactions.

Oralair is made by France's Stallergenes SA.

Meanwhile, drugmaker Merck & Co. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., expects an FDA ruling by midyear on two immunotherapy tablets, one for ragweed and one for grass pollen allergies.